The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the Venezuelan government, which accused the Trump administration of separating children from parents associated with the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. DHS clarified that its actions were taken to ensure the safety and welfare of a child whose parents are confirmed members of the criminal organization.
In a recent news release, DHS stated that the child’s father, MAIKER ESPINOZA-ESCALONA, is a high-ranking lieutenant within TdA, overseeing activities including homicides, drug sales, kidnappings, extortion, sex trafficking, and the operation of a torture house. The child’s mother, YORELY ESCARLETH BERNAL INCIARTE, was also implicated in recruiting young women for drug smuggling and prostitution. Both parents had entered the U.S. illegally and were subject to final orders of removal by a judge.
DHS emphasized that the child was removed from the deportation flight manifest for her safety and placed in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, where she was subsequently assigned to a foster family. The agency noted that parents are given the option to be removed with their children or designate a guardian for them. In this case, the parents chose to be removed with their children.
The department expressed gratitude to former President DONALD TRUMP for his efforts in removing TdA gang members from the country. A statement from DHS highlighted the administration’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking, in collaboration with federal law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services.
DHS also criticized the previous administration for allegedly placing unaccompanied migrant children with sponsors who turned out to be smugglers and sex traffickers. Under the current leadership, over 5,000 unaccompanied children have been reunited with relatives or safe guardians in less than 100 days.
TRICIA MCLAUGHLIN, DHS Assistant Secretary, addressed the controversy during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s *The Big Weekend Show*. She defended the administration’s actions, stating that the mother of the child in question had the option to take her children back to Honduras. McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s focus on child safety, including the implementation of biometric testing and DNA verification to prevent exploitation by traffickers and smugglers.
For further details, visit the official DHS statement [here](https://www.dhs.gov).